The Ultimate Guide To Re-Entering The Workforce

By Dominique Harroch

Transitioning Back to Work After Raising Kids or Caregiving

Have you been out of the workforce for a while? Maybe you’ve spent the last several years raising your children, caregiving for a loved one, or managing a household. You may be wondering if you still have the skills to compete in today’s job market or if anyone will value your experiences after such a long break. Let me assure you—you are not alone, and you are incredibly valuable.

U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 data shows that 3.6 million parents, primarily mothers, left the workforce in 2022-2023 to care for children. Women ages 25-44 were most impacted, facing an estimated lifetime earnings loss of $200,000 to $400,000 per parent. These numbers highlight the prevalence and economic consequences of stepping away from traditional employment, but they also underscore the wealth of skills gained during these periods.

Additionally, AARP reported in late 2023 that 48 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult, and 61% of these caregivers are women. The economic impact of lost wages and benefits averages $304,000 per caregiver.

Recognizing the Wisdom Gained

Your time away from the workforce wasn’t just about managing tasks or keeping schedules. It was also a period of immense personal growth and reflection. Wisdom and perspective are some of the most underrated qualities you bring back to the professional world.

Whether you’ve navigated the challenges of caregiving, balanced competing priorities, or simply had the space to think deeply about your values and priorities, you’ve cultivated a richer understanding of yourself and the world. These experiences enable you to approach problems with a level of insight and empathy that few can match. Employers increasingly value these traits because they contribute to stronger leadership, better teamwork, and more thoughtful decision-making.

When you return to work, highlight not just the practical skills you’ve maintained but also the broader perspective you bring. Your ability to see the bigger picture, remain calm under pressure, and empathize with others can set you apart in any workplace.

Knowing Your Value

It’s time to focus on yourself, your passions, and your successes. For years, many of us have prioritized the achievements of our children or the needs of our families, often putting our own goals on hold. Now is the moment to recalibrate. Reflect on what excites you, what you’re passionate about, and the many ways you’ve grown over the years. This is your opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments and channel your energy into pursuing the career path that brings you fulfillment.

It’s easy to underestimate the value of the skills you’ve developed outside traditional employment. Caregiving alone requires multitasking, time management, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Whether you’ve been coordinating schedules, budgeting for a household, or advocating for a loved one’s needs, you’ve been cultivating abilities that transfer seamlessly into professional settings.

Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of diverse experiences. They’re looking for people who can think critically, work under pressure, and bring fresh perspectives. Your time outside the workforce has not diminished your value; it has enhanced it. Now is the time to reframe your narrative and highlight these skills confidently as you explore new opportunities.

Seizing the Opportunity for Flexible Work

One of the most significant changes in today’s professional world is the widespread acceptance of remote work and flexible schedules. Many organizations have embraced hybrid models, allowing employees to contribute without adhering to a strict 9-to-5 schedule. This shift can be a game-changer for professionals who need flexibility or prefer working from home.

With the rise of remote opportunities, you can explore roles in a variety of fields, from project management to customer service to creative industries. The key is identifying positions that align with your strengths and preferences. Whether you’re seeking full-time, part-time, or freelance opportunities, the modern workforce offers options that cater to diverse needs and lifestyles.

Overcoming Barriers to Re-Entry

Re-entering the workforce after a long absence can feel intimidating, but every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. Here are a few common concerns and strategies to address them:

• Confidence: The thought of re-entering the workforce can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been away for a while. Start small by volunteering or freelancing to ease yourself back into a professional setting. Celebrate your accomplishments and remind yourself of your strengths. Remind yourself you can do this and have a lot to contribute.
• Skill gaps: Technology and industry practices evolve quickly, and it’s natural to feel out of touch. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to brush up on skills relevant to your desired field. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable and flexible options to help you get up to speed.
• Networking: Many opportunities come from connections. Reconnect with former colleagues, attend industry events, and join online groups or forums in your field. LinkedIn is a particularly powerful tool for this. Use it to build and maintain professional relationships, showcase your skills, and engage with content in your industry. Don’t hesitate to reach out to former coworkers or mentors with a simple message to reconnect—most people will be happy to help you navigate your return to the workforce.
• Start small: Don’t be afraid to take a smaller role in a large organization to get your feet wet. These roles are an excellent way to ease back into a corporate culture and environment while learning the lingo, developing computer skills, and expanding your network. Such positions can build your confidence and help you decide if the traditional corporate world is what you want. Over time, these stepping-stone roles can lead to more significant opportunities within the organization or at a new place of business.

Industries That Value Professionals Re-Entering the Workforce

Some industries are particularly welcoming to individuals re-entering the workforce. Think first about what interests you and what sounds rewarding to you. Once you have figured those out, here are a few sectors that may offer promising opportunities (and don’t forget you can also start your own business):

• Technology: Tech companies often lead the way in supporting diverse hiring practices. Programs like returnships (internships for experienced professionals re-entering the workforce) are available at companies like Google, Amazon, and Salesforce.
• Healthcare: With growing demand for healthcare services, there are opportunities in clinical and administrative roles. Many organizations provide re-entry training programs for healthcare professionals.
• Education: Schools and educational organizations often seek individuals with life experience to enrich their programs, whether as teachers, administrators, or support staff.
• Finance: Banks and financial institutions value the analytical and interpersonal skills that many returning professionals bring to roles in risk management, client relations, and beyond.
• Nonprofits: If you’re passionate about making a difference, the nonprofit sector offers roles that align with various skills, from fundraising to program management.
• Entrepreneurship: For those seeking autonomy, starting your own business or offering consulting services can be a fulfilling path back into the professional world.
• Writing and editing: With the explosion of content-driven marketing and media, there is strong demand for writers and editors. Professionals with sharp communication skills can find freelance or full-time roles in publishing, corporate communications, or digital media.
• Accounting: Professionals with financial expertise are often in high demand, especially in small businesses and nonprofits, where part-time or flexible roles are common.

The Roles of a Stay-at-Home Parent or Caregiver

A stay-at-home parent operates as the chief executive officer of their household enterprise, managing multiple departments with adaptability. Like a chief financial officer, they oversee the family budget, tracking expenses and making strategic decisions about resource allocation. Their human resources role involves mediating conflicts between siblings and other family members, providing performance feedback on chores and homework, and maintaining high household morale.

As the operations manager, they coordinate the complex logistics of school schedules, extracurricular activities, and medical appointments while ensuring smooth daily functions. The parent serves as facilities manager, overseeing household maintenance and cleanliness standards, while simultaneously acting as head of food services, planning and executing meals that meet diverse dietary needs and preferences. Their marketing and communications position requires them to maintain relationships with teachers, other parents, and community members, while their risk management role involves childproofing, emergency preparedness, and ensuring family safety protocols are followed.

Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter

For your resume, include a section that highlights “Relevant Experience” and list the transferable skills you gained during your time away. For example, if you led a PTA committee, you’ve demonstrated project management, budget management, event planning and teamwork. If you organized community fundraisers, you have experience in marketing, volunteer coordination and financial oversight.

Your cover letter is an opportunity to expand on this narrative. Explain why you took a career break and how it has prepared you for the role you’re applying for. Acknowledge that not every employer may see the value in your journey—but the right ones will. These are the organizations that will appreciate your perspective, resilience, and adaptability, and they are the places where you’ll thrive. By owning your unique story and presenting it with confidence, you’ll connect with employers who value what you bring to the table.

Books to Inspire and Guide Your Re-Entry Journey

As you navigate your return to the workforce, consider these books for guidance and inspiration:

• “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg: This classic book offers practical advice on leadership and navigating career challenges, with insights that resonate for those re-entering the workforce.
• “Back on the Career Track” by Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin: Specifically written for individuals returning to work after a break, this book provides actionable strategies and real-life success stories.
• “ReLaunch!” by Catherine Allen and Nancy Bearg: Focused on mid-career professionals, this book helps readers rediscover their passions and create a roadmap for re-entry.
• “What Color Is Your Parachute?” by Richard N. Bolles: A timeless resource for job seekers, this guide is packed with tools for career exploration and goal setting.
• “The Confidence Code” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman: This empowering book explores the science of confidence and offers strategies for building it, particularly for women.

Crafting Your Comeback Plan

Returning to the workforce requires a thoughtful and proactive approach. To summarize, here are some steps to get started:

• Self-reflection: Assess your interests, values, and long-term goals. What kind of work excites you? What lifestyle do you want to maintain?
• Skill development: Identify any gaps in your knowledge or expertise. Enroll in courses, attend webinars, or pursue certifications to build confidence and credibility.
• Networking: Leverage personal and professional connections to learn about opportunities. Reach out to mentors, former colleagues, and industry contacts.
• Application strategy: Customize your resume and cover letter for each role, emphasizing your transferable skills and achievements. Practice answering interview questions with clarity and confidence.
• Start small: Consider part-time, freelance, or volunteer roles to ease your way back into the professional world. These opportunities can help you gain experience and expand your network.

Conclusion on Returning to Work

By stepping back into the professional world, you’re not just helping yourself—you are also becoming a role model for your children and others who have been out of the workforce. Your courage and determination demonstrate that it’s never too late to pursue your goals and make a meaningful impact.

Returning to the workforce is an opportunity to rediscover your strengths, contribute in a meaningful way, and set an example for others who may be considering a similar journey.

Welcome back to the workforce. I encourage you to jump in with both feet. Your skills, perspectives, and determination are needed now more than ever. Embrace the opportunity, and take pride in your journey. The future is bright, and you are ready to shine.

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Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at AllBusiness.com. She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event management at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies, Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects, and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.